2012 bmw z4 Model Overview

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3 of 5

The Z4 offers sporty good looks along with moderately sporty performance. But mostly, you’ll buy a Z4 for its looks. Worlds beyond the previous-generation model in terms of styling, the current Z4 is sleek and sculpted. And a convertible hardtop means that the roadster looks great with the top up or down. Despite its beauty-pageant-winning design, the Z4’s reception has been lukewarm when it comes to its performance.

The familiar 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6, found in many other BMW models, occupies the space underneath the sDrive35i’s hood, while a new 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 powers the sDrive28i. The sDrive35is gets a more potent twin-turbo version BMW’s renowned 3.0-liter I-6, the same unit that powers the 1 Series M Coupe. But despite its family ties with the rest of BMW’s lineup, the Z4 doesn’t have the same magic we’ve come to expect from a product put out by the Bavarian automaker.

Still, if you’re looking for a stylish convertible with an eye-catching interior and an array of standard features, the Z4 fits the bill. The quick operation of its power retractable hardtop makes opening up the cabin to the elements a snap, and the standard 17-inch wheels with performance run-flat tires on the sDrive28i give the Z4 a stance sure to impress friends and neighbors alike.

The Z4 is the second BMW model in the U.S. to receive the company’s new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which replaces the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter I-6 as the base powertrain. At 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the turbo four raises output by 10 hp and 60 lb-ft over the outgoing I-6. A sport version of BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission is offered as an option on the sDrive28i, though in order to enjoy the benefits of the new stop-start system, the standard six-speed manual must be specified. Also for 2012, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission available in the sDrive35i and sDrive35is gets its price slashed.

The exterior of the Z4 looks like it was sculpted in a wind tunnel, with sleek body lines and a wide, stable-looking rear end. While it’s easily the raciest design in BMW’s current lineup, it still exhibits the brand’s classic styling cues as well as much of its current design language. The central dual kidney grille motif is maintained, while slender dual-round headlights sit on either side of the grille and wrap around the front end. With the retractable hardtop up, the Z4 has an almost coupe-like shape, thought a subtle notch is still visible to let you know it’s a convertible. The rear end is just has handsome as the front, with a molded spoiler built in to the trunk lid and wide solid red taillights occupying the corners.

The Z4 gets a two-tone interior treatment, with a dark dashboard, center console, and door insert tops, along with a usually contrasting second color for the rest of the cabin. A synthetic leatherette upholstery comes standard in the sDrive28i, while the sDrive35i and sDrive35is get standard Kansas leather upholstery. Base models come with manual six-way adjustable seats, while higher trims get power 10-way adjustable sport seats The available Cold Weather package adds heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Being a sporty roadster from BMW, a brand that knows a thing or two about sportiness, you’d think the Z4 would take the performance of the German automaker’s sport sedans and crank it up to 11. For whatever reason, that isn’t the case though. In the past, we’ve voiced our opinions on BMW’s choice for the Z4’s stiff chassis and overly harsh ride – all attributes of a sports car, but ones that don’t seem to yield many performance benefits in the case of the Z4. But that isn’t to say the car isn’t a hoot to drive. With a new base engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Z4 sDrive28i gets a significant boost in EPA fuel economy ratings of four miles per gallon in the city, and six on the highway. The turbo four also gains some power and torque over the outgoing naturally aspirated I-6. BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 that we’ve loved practically since day one continues its service in the sDrive35i, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. The sDrive35is gets a twin-turbo version of that engine, also found in the 335is and 1 Series M Coupe, producing 335 hp and 332 lb-ft. That model remedies a good number of the problems we’ve had with the sDrive35i, and is the clear driver’s choice of the bunch.

For safety, the Z4 gets dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensor, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and an automatic crash response system as standard safety equipment. Controlled by BMW’s Advanced Safety System, these safety features are deployed selectively in the event of a crash, based on data from the car’s various sensors. An ABS system along with BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes standard. BMW’s rear-view camera and Active Blind Spot Detection system are not available on the Z4, though the Park Distance Control system is offered as a standalone option.

2012 BMW Z4 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$48,650

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$27,625

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Units Affected

76191

Recall ID#13V454000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Consequence

A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

8988

Recall ID#12V302000 - STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Consequence

SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF A VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 1-SERIES ACTIVE E AND MODEL YEAR 2012 Z4 VEHICLES. VARIATIONS IN ELECTRICAL CURRENT MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, LEADING TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING ASSISTANCE MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING JULY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

162

Recall ID#14V627000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Consequence

A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2012 BMW Z4 News and Reviews

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